RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced the 2020 men's soccer schedule on Friday in a joint release, in which the conference also announced a delayed start to the 2020 season.
The men's soccer schedule includes 14 conference games for the Hillcats, who are the defending GAC Men's Soccer Tournament Champions. The schedule will feature a home and away match set for each of the other seven conference opponents.
The GAC Council of Presidents unanimously approved a plan to delay the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, with the launch of competition postponed until the week of September 28.
Teams will play current GAC schedule grids when play resumes in late September. The GAC will formulate a plan to reschedule those games not played on the existing schedule - as well as the format for fall conference postseason events - following NCAA Division II action on the status of fall championships.
"This plan creates additional time to craft a safe and meaningful championship season for our student-athletes," GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. "It affords our members the ability to open their campuses for in-person learning and allows additional time for student-athletes to acclimate back to full athletic activity."
With the adjustment to the schedule, the Hillcats are set to open up the season against rival Northeastern State. Men's soccer was originally supposed to open the season against Fort Hays State in a rematch of the conference championship game from last season.
The conference will continue to consult with campus medical professionals, outside consultants, and local public health officials to monitor the viability of playing conditions during the reopening of campuses.
The Council has the ability to adjust its recommendation as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in GAC athletics. Conference administrators and the Council of Presidents will both meet weekly to address developments as they arise.
For the latest information on the Rogers State Men's Soccer program, as well as all RSU athletic programs, be sure to visit rsuhillcats.com or @RSUhillcats on social media.
